in perfect harmony

With Luke Severn at the helm and an ensemble boasting some of the finest classical musicians in the region, the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra promises a new program of diverse and magical music.

By Sue Turpie - Photography by Leon Schoots

Behind every orchestral performance is hours of practice, a wealth of theoretical knowledge and solid leadership. Add to this, extensive thought given to the selection of performance pieces. How do you choose from a catalogue that spans countless countries and hundreds of years? That task was undertaken by Luke Severn when selecting the program for the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 season. The result is a diverse range of compositions that highlight the amazing skill level of our regional musicians.

Luke took on the role of conductor of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in July 2019 and since then has worked on expanding the ensemble both through the breadth of performance music, as well as increased exposure to new audiences and potential guest performers and members. The organisation’s reputation and proven professionalism is reflected in the calibre of soloists who will take to the stage with the orchestra this year.

“We are very much looking forward to the year ahead and delivering a showcase celebrating world-class musicians and experienced conductors, including the acclaimed Graham Abbott,” says Luke. Other guest artists and soloists include world-renowned pianist Elyane Laussade, young pianist Lily Begg, rising star Kyla MatsuuraMiller and American mezzo-soprano Kristen Leich. There will also be solo performances by members of the orchestra.

This year’s season includes four distinct programs: Unfinished, Light and Shade, Scheherazade, and Ebbs and Flows.

The guest conductor for Light and Shade is Graham Abbott, who for the past 30 years has led all of the major orchestras. Luke explains that the name for this came from a conversation he was having with Graham about what music he would like to perform. “He said there was ‘too much darkness, I need something that’s light’, and so we picked a Schumann symphony, which is the light to the shade of the chosen piano concerto.”

Scheherazade, composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, is based on One Thousand and One Nights, while the final performance Ebbs and Flows features music themed around water, such as Strauss’s Blue Danube and Dvorak’s The Water Sprite.

“Last year, our season included sold-out performances,” says Luke. “We’re looking forward to repeating this success in 2023 and encourage the community to come and enjoy an excellent display of cultural enrichment in our beautiful Ulumbarra and Capital theatres. The season promises to be a truly memorable experience. “Our diverse program will also highlight the skills and experience of our talented orchestra, made up of passionate professional and high-quality amateur musicians.”

One such musician is clarinet player Jacquie Tolhurst, who has been a member of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra for about five years. Like many other members, Jacquie has dedicated her life to music, starting at the piano and then moving to the woodwind family. With so many instruments to choose from, what was it that saw Jacquie first pick up the clarinet? Chance, physical constraints, and guidance from a family member. Her relative, Trev Trewartha, was already an established brass instrument player and band member in Bendigo, and when some brass musicians came to her primary school, Jacquie was initially keen to play the trombone. “But my arms weren’t long enough,” she laughs. “I’m not the tallest person, and Trev suggested the clarinet because of my small hands. The rest is history.”

The world of music is a community with many members connected through family, friends, bands, orchestras or education. Many of the region’s best classical musicians are members of the orchestra, as demonstrated by Jacquie’s musical journey.

“I started learning clarinet in year seven at Golden Square Secondary College. My first clarinet teacher there was Cynthia Holsworth, who is the current secretary and principal flute player in the BSO,” says Jacquie. “My VCE classroom music teacher, Diane Chapman, is also a cellist in the orchestra. They both helped foster my love for music. There are lots of music teachers in the orchestra and lots of past connections from school years.”

After studying music throughout high school, as well as being a member of the Bendigo Youth Orchestra, Jacquie went on to complete a Bachelor of Music at the Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne and a Master of Music (Performance Teaching), residing in Melbourne from 2006 to 2018. She returned to her hometown with her husband and is now on maternity leave from teaching at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, looking after their two children.

Being a member of the orchestra is the perfect opportunity for Jacquie to gain performance experience, connect with other musicians, perform beautiful orchestral works, and enjoy something for herself.

“It’s lovely to be part of such a welcoming group. I’ve made some wonderful friendships and gotten to know other teachers and other people who are passionate about music. Most of all, I love making music and sharing my love of music with others. That creative outlet is probably number one… and it’s a bit of me time now that I’ve got two kids. I always come home buzzing and feeling really positive after rehearsals. Luke brings energy and a wealth of musical knowledge to rehearsals. He inspires the orchestra to play musically and to the best of our ability.”

With the 2023 season already underway, Jacquie is excited about where the orchestra is and what they can achieve moving forward, especially given how much they have developed under the current conductor’s guidance. While she favours the Romantics and 20th Century-style pieces, she’s happy to play whatever music is put on her stand with the BSO.

“Most music is good music,” she laughs. “It’s always nice if there’s some clarinet solos in there, as it gives me a challenge and something to focus on through some targeted practice. But I’m really enjoying all the pieces in the current program. They’re all such powerful music with rich harmonies and beautiful melodies. There are lovely wind moments across all these works, where we need to work together for blend and balance.”

Something we’re sure audiences will appreciate and love. For further information on the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra or to book for a performance, visit bendigosymphonyorchestra.org.au or gotix.com.au

18 March – 25 June 2023

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